WHILE forecasters predict this summer will be the best in years, their long-term forecast shows that when it comes to sizzling temperatures we have not seen anything yet.

Within the next 70 years Hampshire’s lush green farmland will be replaced with vineyards and olive groves, according to a new report.

The study has revealed that by the summer of 2080 temperatures ranging from a balmy 35C (95F) to a sweltering 41C (105F) are predicted for July 2080.

In the Mediterranean heat sunflowers, oranges and lemon trees could also become part of the new Hampshire landscape.

The Met Office has used its supercomputers to predict how the country’s climate might change from now until 2099.

It is the first time such complex predictions about regional climates have been drawn up anywhere in the world.

A Met Office spokesman said: “These forecasts are designed to give a broad idea about what our future climate might be like in 2080.

“We do expect big changes in temperature in the south and the summers to be drier overall. However when it rains it is likely there will be more intense downpours leading to the possibility of more flashflooding.

“Our predictions will show the likelihood of certain climatic changes happening in each area and what will happen to sea levels.

“This type of information would be an incredible help to anyone who might, for example, be planning to build a marina in Southampton or sea defences up the Solent during the next 70 years”

The Met Office has spent the last five years compiling its long-term forecasts assessing all the different factors that could influence climate change in the future, including carbon dioxide emissions.

All the results will be published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on June 18.

The government will use the information to help plan for long term climate change.